Audiology Referrals
🩺 Overview
Referrals are generally for consideration of hearing aids for hearing difficulty or tinnitus. Services are offered at Leigh Hospital or via community providers (e.g., Specsavers).
⚠️ Check for Wax First
Examine both ears for wax. If present, advise the patient to use olive oil TDS for 3 weeks to clear it before referring.
🏥 Assessment & Pathways
Determine if the patient requires direct Audiology referral or referral to ENT based on clinical findings.
| Condition | Action | Pathway |
|---|---|---|
| Sudden sensorineural hearing loss | Refer to ENT | e-RS (ENT specialty) |
| Unilateral hearing loss (normal ear exam) | Refer to Audiology | Direct Referral Form |
| Unilateral hearing loss (abnormal ear exam) | Refer to ENT | e-RS (ENT specialty) |
| Persistent unilateral tinnitus | Refer to ENT | e-RS (ENT specialty) |
| Balance / Dizziness | Refer to ENT | e-RS (MDT Clinic) |
| Perforated tympanic membrane / cholesteatoma | Refer to ENT | e-RS (ENT specialty) |
| Gradual age-related hearing loss | Refer to Audiology | Direct Referral Form |
| Bilateral symmetrical hearing loss | Refer to Audiology | Direct Referral Form |
💡 New: Unilateral Hearing Loss
Audiology can now see patients with unilateral hearing loss as long as the ear looks normal and healthy (no perforations, etc.). They can also arrange MRIs if needed and will refer on to ENT if appropriate. They still cannot see unilateral tinnitus.
💡 Age Criteria
Direct referrals are accepted for patients aged 18 and over, despite forms stating over 55.
📋 Referral Process
Sending a Referral
- Examine both ears for wax and exclude red flags
- Complete an audiology referral form
- Dictate to secretaries via Lexacomm stating the form is complete
- Specify patient preference (Leigh vs Specsavers) in the dictation
- Ensure letter includes all required details (see below)
🏠 Housebound Patients
Patients requiring domiciliary visits should be referred using the same standard referral form.
Letter Requirements
Referral letters must include the following information:
- Brief history and red flags
- Otoscopy findings
- Past Medical History (PMH)
- Current medications
- Allergies
- Previous ENT/Audiology input
⏰ Follow-up & Contracts
🔄 3-Year Contract
Patients enter a 3-year contract with the provider following their initial appointment.
- Within 3 years: No new referral needed. Patients can book directly with the clinic.
- After 3 years: A new referral is required if they need to be seen again.
🚫 Administrative Warnings
Workload Dumps
Do not accept requests from secondary care to re-refer to Audiology that ENT could have handled directly.
📍 Service Locations
| Location | Notes |
|---|---|
| Leigh Hospital | Hospital-based service |
| Local Specsavers | Community-based options across the borough |
See Also
- ENT Referrals - Comprehensive ENT referral guidance including waiting times and A&G
- Acute ENT Referrals - Emergency ENT referral process
- Online Resources - GM Primary Care Portal and other resources
- Ear Wax Management
- Letter Requests